Bendable suction brush for vacuum cleaner

ABSTRACT

A suction brush assembly, which is connected with a body of a vacuum cleaner via an air passage, draws in air and dust from a surface to be cleaned. A bendable suction brush is provided that includes a brush body connected with the air passage, and a plurality of movable frames each with a suction passage to draw in the air and dust. The frames are formed on the brush body in a movable manner so as to rotate via an external force to a predetermined angle with respect to the brush body. At least one front frame overlaps portions of the plurality of movable frames to cover an open end of the brush body.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to copending Korean Patent ApplicationNo. 2003-73787 filed Oct. 22, 2003, in the Korean Intellectual PropertyOffice, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is related to copending application entitled “SuctionBrush Assembly Having Rotation Roller For Sweeping Dust” (KoreanApplication No. 2002-11240, filed Mar. 4, 2002).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner, and moreparticularly, to a brush of a vacuum cleaner which is bendable to enableeasy cleaning of small areas, such as crevices and corners definedbetween walls.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 each illustrate a conventional bendable suction brush.More specifically, FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the structure of theconventional bendable suction brush, and FIG. 2 shows the positions ofleft and right sides of the conventional bendable suction brush in theprocess of cleaning a corner.

The bendable suction brush largely includes a center body 1 connectedwith a suction pipe (not shown) of the vacuum cleaner, left and rightbodies 2 and 2′ formed on both sides of the center body 1 with eachbeing rotatable about the center body 1, and springs 3 and 3′ that biasthe left and right bodies 2 and 2′ so that the left and right bodies 2and 2′ are aligned with one another, as seen in FIG. 2.

The center body 1 has a suction opening 11 through which air and dust isdrawn, a T-shaped guide groove (not shown) formed in the sides of thebody 1 to guide the rotation of the left and right bodies 2 and 2′ andalso to securely support the left and right bodies 2 and 2′ with respectto the center body 1, and a spring guide hole (not shown) to facilitaterotation of the one end of the springs 3 and 3′ connected to the leftand right bodies 2 and 2′, respectively.

Each of the left and right bodies 2 and 2′ has a protruding guide formedon one side to connect to the guide groove 12, a spring connectinggroove 24 and 24′ formed at an upper end, respectively, to which thesprings 3 and 3′ are engaged, and suction grooves 21 and 21′ formed on alower center of bodies 2 and 2′, respectively, to guide dust toward thesuction opening 11 of the center body 1. Sealing layers 23 and 23′ areformed at the lower ends of the protruding guide 22 and 22′,respectively, to prevent loss of suction force at the linking portionwith the center body 1.

First, second and third protrusions 14, 14′, 14″ are formed on the lowersurface of the center body 1, with the second and third protrusions 14′and 14″ having certain sides parallel to the suction groove 21 and 21′(see FIG. 1), and the first protrusion 14 being spaced from the secondand third protrusions 14′ and 14″. Additionally, protruding segments 15and 15′ are formed on each of the first and second protrusions 14 and14′, respectively, that contact the sealing layer 23′ of the right body2′ and the sealing layer 23 of the left body 2 with the first and thethird protrusions 14 and 14″. As a result, each of the sealing layers 23and 23′ has different radius of rotation.

A sealing layer guide 23″ is formed on the upper surface of the sealinglayers 23 and 23′, and sealing layer guide grooves 17 and 17′ engage thesealing layer guide 23″ and are formed in the lower surface of thecenter body 1 at different radii, thereby facilitating rotation of thesealing layers 23 and 23′.

The spring 3 can include two torsion springs engaged to springconnecting grooves 24 and 24′ of the left and right bodies 2 and 2′ withone ends, and fixed to the center body 1 with the other ends.Accordingly, springs 3 and 3′ provide recovery force to the left andright bodies 2 and 2′ which were turned by contact with externalobjects, such as furniture or wall.

The conventional suction brush mainly consists of the center body 1 andits left and right bodies 2 and 2′ which rotate about the center body 1to enable cleaning of crevices or corners between walls. However, thisconventional suction brush is often difficult to use with a conventionalsuction pipe and is difficult to use in large cleaning areas because theleft and right bodies 2 and 2′ are non-extendable. Additionally, becausethe springs 3 and 3′ are located near the suction port 11, the springmovement is deteriorated by the drawn-in dust as the suction brush isused.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been developed in order to solve the abovedrawbacks and other problems associated with the conventional vacuumcleaners. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to providean improved bendable suction brush for a vacuum cleaner, whichfacilitates cleaning of crevices and corners and is extendable andrecoverable in length according to the selection by the user allowingcleaning of a variety of areas including large cleaning areas.

The foregoing object is basically attained by a bendable suction brushof a suction brush assembly, which is connected with a body of a vacuumcleaner via an air passage that draws in air and dust from a surface tobe cleaned. The bendable suction brush includes a brush body connectedwith the air passage, a plurality of movable frames having a suctionpassage to draw in air and dust, and is formed on the brush body in amovable manner so as to rotate to a predetermined angle with respect toeach other; and at least one front frame exposed among the plurality ofmovable frames which are moved to a rotated position by an externalforce with the front frame overlappingly disposed among the plurality ofmovable frames to cover an open end.

The brush body has a base with a rotational axis about which the movableframes are disposed, a base cover connected with the base to guide therotation of the movable frames, and a connecting pipe rotatably disposedbetween the base and the base cover.

The plurality of movable frames each include a brush frame disposedabout the rotational axis, an extension brush guide formed at an end ofthe brush frame, and an extension brush movably disposed to slid alongthe length of the brush frame. The plurality of movable frames areformed in pairs oppositely located on the left and right sides of thebrush body in a symmetrical manner.

The suction passage has a first duct formed in the brush frame; a secondduct formed in the extension guide frame, and a third duct formed in theextension brush. The first duct has a connecting duct connected with thesecond and third ducts and forming a suction passage, and a circle ductforming an arc around a hinge portion which is secured about therotational axis with the circle duct being connected to the base.

The extension brush includes spaced locking holes formed in theextension brush at predetermined intervals, and a locking protrusionformed on the brush frame to be sealed in the spaced locking holes.

The plurality of movable frames are disposed on the brush body togetherwith an elastic member, and when rotated by an external force, returningto an original configuration as the external force is removed. Theelastic member is a torsion spring connected to the plurality of movableframes.

The plurality of movable frames are rotated between approximately 40 and50 degrees.

The connecting pipe has a sphere joint, and a guide ring disposed on theouter circumference of the sphere joint and seated in a guide grooveformed in the brush body. Accordingly, the connecting pipe is rotatable.

The front frame has a front frame body with a secondary passage and afront frame cover disposed on the upper side of the front frame.

The bendable suction brush of a suction brush assembly, which isconnected with a body of a vacuum cleaner in fluid communication via apredetermined air passage, draws in ambient air and dust from a surfaceto be cleaned. The bendable suction brush includes a brush bodyconnected with the air passage, a plurality of lengthwise extendablemoving frames with a suction passage drawing in air and dust, the framesare provided in pairs opposite to each other at left and right sides ofthe brush body to be turned to predetermined angles with respect to thebrush body, and at least one front frame overlappingly disposed amongthe plurality of moving frames which are rotated by the external force.

The plurality of lengthwise extendable moving frames are disposed on thebrush body together with an elastic member, and when rotated by theexternal force, return to an original configuration as the externalforce is removed. The elastic member can be a torsion spring connectedto the plurality of lengthwise extendable moving frames.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above aspects and features of the present invention will be moreapparent by describing certain embodiments of the present invention withreference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating the structure of a conventionalbendable suction brush;

FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating left and right bodies of aconventional bendable suction brush in rotated positions for thecleaning of crevices;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a bendable suction brush for avacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of an extension brush of thesuction brush illustrated in FIG. 3, showing the extension brush in anon-extended position;

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the extension brush illustratedin FIG. 4, showing the extension brush in an extended position;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the suction brush illustrated inFIG. 3, showing the brush assembled with a cover omitted;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the suction brush illustrated inFIG. 6, showing the brush in a bent position;

FIG. 8 is an elevational view of the suction brush illustrated in FIG.6;

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the suction brush illustrated inFIG. 7 according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing thebrush in a bent position; and

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of the suction brush illustrated inFIG. 3, showing the suction brush assembled in a bent position, andoperating in contact with a wall of a cleaning area.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the following description, the same drawing reference numerals areused for the same elements even in different drawings. The mattersdefined in the description, such as a detailed construction and elementsare only provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of theinvention. Thus, it is apparent that the present invention can becarried out without those defined matters. Also, well-known functions orconstructions are not described in detail.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a suction brush 100 of avacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention. Thesuction brush 100 includes a base 110, a movable frame 200 and a basecover 300. The base 110 and the base cover 300 engage one another toform a brush body. In the present embodiment, the movable frame 200 isformed as two substantially identical parts in symmetrical relation,however, only one part of the movable frame 200 at one side of frame 100is described.

The base 10 is connected to the movable frame 200, and a sealing member111 is attached to the lower side to define a space A (FIG. 3)therebetween. The space A allows air to flow from the movable frame 200to an extension pipe (not shown). A guide duct 112 a, which is connectedwith the suction passage of the movable frame 200, is formed in thefront of the base 110. The guide duct 112 a is connected with the spaceA through the suction hole 112 b.

The space A is connected in fluid communication with the body of thevacuum cleaner through a connecting pipe 114 which is connected with thebase 110. The connecting pipe 114 is provided with a sphere joint 114 awith a guide ring 114 b adapted to sit in a guide groove 10 a formed inthe base 110 and the base cover 300.

A rotary axis 115, which is engaged with the movable frame 200,protrudes from the base 110. An elastic member 116 is engaged with therotary axis 115 together with the movable frame 200. The elastic member116 operates to bias the movable frame toward the straight or normalposition.

The movable frame 200 includes a brush frame 201 rotatably engaged withthe base 110, an extension brush guide 202 formed on an end of the brushframe 201, and an extension brush 203 which is slidably movable in thedirection of the length of the brush frame 201. The brush frame cover201 and an extension base cover 203′ are engaged to the upper portion ofthe movable frame 200. A suction passage is integrally formed in themovable frame 200 (FIG. 3), and includes a first duct 210 formed in thebrush frame 201, a second duct 202 a formed in the extension brush guide202, and a third duct 203 a formed in the extension brush 203.

The brush frame 201 includes a frame hinge 115 a engaged with the rotaryaxis 115, and the extension brush guide 202 with an end adapted toslidingly engage the extension brush 203. The brush frame 201 alsoincludes the first duct 210 which is integrally formed therein, and isconnected with the second and third ducts 202 a and 203 a. The firstduct 210 may have a circle duct 201 b which is formed around aconnecting duct 201 a connected with the second and third ducts 202 aand 203 a, and around the frame hinge 115 a. The circle duct 201 b formsa substantial circular pattern when the movable frame 200 is in anon-rotated or normal position.

The extension brush guide 202 guides the sliding movement of theextension brush 203, and may be integrally formed with the connectingduct 201 a. The extension brush guide 202 may have a size correspondingto the extension brush 203 so that the extension brush 203 does notextend beyond guide 202 when sealed in the connecting duct 201 a. Theextension brush guide 202 prevents possible suction loss due toextension of brush 203 in the longitudinal direction, and the secondduct 202 a formed in the body of guide 202 maintains a predeterminedsuction force at the first and third ducts 210 and 203 a.

The extension brush 203 may be extended in the longitudinal direction asthe user desires. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the extension brush 203 isextendable and recoverable by the cooperation of locking protrusion 202h formed on the extension brush guide 202 and corresponding lockingholes 203 h formed in the extension brush 203 at predeterminedintervals. The locking protrusion 202 h is integrally formed with theextension brush guide 202, and is elastically deformable. The lockingholes 203 h are formed in the extension brush 203 at predeterminedintervals, and as the locking protrusion 202 h is seated in one of thelocking holes 203 h, the movement of the extension brush 203 in thelongitudinal direction is restricted.

Additionally, the bendable suction brush 100 for vacuum cleaner is madeof a flexible material, such as plastic by injection molding.Accordingly, when an external force, such as pushing by the user, isexerted, the locking protrusion 202 h is elastically deformed and movedout of the locking hole 203 h, allowing extension of brush 203 in thelongitudinal direction.

FIGS. 3, 6 and 7 illustrate the bendable suction brush 100 from whichthe brush frame cover 201′ and the extension base cover 203′ areomitted. A front frame 220 is attached to the upper side of the circleduct 201 b to prevent suction loss at the circle duct 201 b during therotation of the movable frame 200.

The front frame 220 includes a front frame body 221 having a secondarypassage 220, and a front frame cover 222 formed on the upper side of thefront frame body 221. The front frame body 221 has the samecircumference and width as those of the circle duct 201 b so as toinclude the circle duct 201 b from above. The front frame body 221 isengaged with the rotary axis 115 by the front frame hinge 115 c.

The base cover 300 is engaged with the base 110, and restricts therotational angle of the movable frame 200, and also supports theconnecting pipe 114 together with the base 110. The movable frame 200 isalso rotated within an angle ranging between approximately 40 degrees to50 degrees, and as shown in FIG. 10. The base cover 300 has asubstantially angular shape. As the rotational movement of the movableframe 200 is restricted by the contact with an inclined surface S, therotational angle of the movable frame 200 can be adjusted by controllingthe angle between the left and right inclined surfaces S.

Operation

The bendable suction brush 100 according to this embodiment isextendable in a cleaning area by pulling the extension brush 203. Inother words, when the user pulls the extension brush 203 in thelongitudinal direction, the locking protrusion 202 h of the extensionbrush guide 202 is moved out of the corresponding locking hole 203 h ofthe extension brush 203 and moved into a neighboring locking hole 203 h.By extending the extension brush 203 in the longitudinal direction bythe above process, the user can clean a large area within a relativelyshort time.

In order to clean a small area, such as crevice or a corner definedbetween the adjoining walls W, the user simply needs to proceed towardthe walls W without having to turn the brush. As seen in FIGS. 9 and 10,the bendable suction brush 100 is bent at the movable frames 200 bycontact with the walls W. Because the front frame 220 is attached to theupper surface of the movable frames 200 to prevent loss at the suctionpassage, the air drawn in through the second and third ducts 202 a and203 a flows to the base 110 through the circle duct 201 b and thesecondary passage 220 a. The front frame 220 covers the circle duct 201b from above and is spaced apart from the cleaning surface by apredetermined distance. Accordingly, when the front frame 220 isexposed, the substantially vertical opening defined between the frontframe 220 and the cleaning surface acts as a suction port at the frontside of the suction brush 100, drawing in air and dust from the crevice.Even when the movable frame 200 is bent by a predetermined angle by thefront frame 220, the suction passage of the circle duct 201 b canmaintain its original configuration, thereby substantially eliminatingsuction loss, which would otherwise occur at the bends of the suctionpassage.

With the bendable vacuum cleaner described above, the cleaning operationis carried out more efficiently even in small areas such as crevices,since the movable frame is bent according to the shape of the crevice.

Additionally, because the user can extend and reduce the length of thebrush, the suction area becomes wider, thereby reducing cleaning timewhen cleaning a wide area.

The foregoing embodiment and advantages are merely exemplary and are notto be construed as limiting the present invention. The present teachingcan be readily applied to other types of apparatuses. Also, thedescription of the embodiments of the present invention is intended tobe illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims, and manyalternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art.

1. A bendable suction brush of a suction brush assembly, which isconnected with a body of a vacuum cleaner via an air passage, drawing inambient air and entrained dust from a surface to be cleaned, thebendable suction brush comprising: a brush body connected with the airpassage; a plurality of movable frames including a suction passage todraw in the air and dust, and each of the frames being formed on thebrush body in a movable manner so as to rotate with respect to the brushbody about a rotational axis, the frames being rotated by and externalforce; and at least one front frame overlapping portions of theplurality of movable frames to cover an open end of the brush body. 2.The bendable suction brush of claim 1, wherein the brush body includes:a base with a rotational axis about which the movable frames aredisposed; a base cover connected with the base to guide the rotation ofthe movable frames; and a connecting pipe rotatably disposed between thebase and the base cover.
 3. The bendable suction brush of claim 1,wherein each of the plurality of movable frames each includes: a brushframe disposed about the rotational axis; an extension brush guideformed at an end of the brush frame; and an extension brush movablydisposed to slid along the length of the brush frame.
 4. The bendablesuction brush of claim 3, wherein the plurality of movable frames areformed in a pair formed on opposite sides of the brush body in asymmetrical manner.
 5. The bendable suction brush of claim 3, whereinthe suction passage includes: a first duct formed in the brush frame; asecond duct formed in the extension guide frame; and a third duct formedin the extension brush.
 6. The bendable suction brush of claim 5,wherein the first duct includes: a connecting duct connected with thesecond and third ducts, and defining the suction passage therebetween;and a circle duct forming an arc around a hinge portion which is securedabout the rotational axis, the circle duct being connected to the base.7. The bendable suction brush of claim 3, wherein the extension brushincludes: spaced locking holes formed in the extension brush atpredetermined intervals; and a locking protrusion formed on the brushframe to be received in the spaced locking holes.
 8. The bendablesuction brush of claim 1, wherein the plurality of movable frames aredisposed on the brush body with an elastic member biasing the frames toan original configuration against the external force is removed.
 9. Thebendable suction brush of claim 8, wherein the elastic member is atorsion spring connected to the plurality of movable frames.
 10. Thebendable suction brush of claim 1, wherein the plurality of movableframes rotate between approximately 40 degree and 50 degree.
 11. Thebendable suction brush of claim 2, wherein the connecting pipe includes:a sphere joint; and a guide ring disposed on an outer circumference ofthe sphere joint and seated in a guide groove formed in the brush body.12. The bendable suction brush of claim 1, wherein the front frameincludes: a front frame body with a secondary passage; and a front framecover disposed on an upper side of the front frame.
 13. A bendablesuction brush of a suction brush assembly, which is connected with abody of a vacuum cleaner in fluid communication via an air passage,drawing in air and dust from a surface to be cleaned, the bendablesuction brush comprising: a brush body connected with the air passage; aplurality of longitudinally extendable moving frames each having asuction passage drawing in the air and dust, the longitudinallyextendable moving frames being provided in a pair at opposite sides ofthe brush body and rotated by an external force with respect to thebrush body about a rotational axis; and at least one front frameoverlapping portions of the plurality of movable frames to cover an openend of the brush body.
 14. The bendable suction brush of claim 13,wherein the plurality of longitudinally extendable moving frames aredisposed on the brush body with an elastic member that biases the framesto an original configuration against the external force.
 15. Thebendable suction brush of claim 13, wherein the elastic member is atorsion spring connected to the plurality of longitudinally extendablemoving frames.